Maidstone United KYL U14 Secure Convincing 3-0 Win At Gallagher Stadium

Maidstone United KYL U14 hosted Erith & Belvedere U14 at the Gallagher Stadium on 23 November 2025, with kick-off at 12:30pm in a league home fixture. The 70-minute contest plus added time saw Maidstone United claim a comprehensive 3-0 victory, maintaining a clean sheet and dominating proceedings throughout.

Maidstone United lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, deploying Ollie Higginson in goal to marshal the defence. The back four consisted of Liam Rich at right defender, central defenders Captain Eddie Ambrose and Danny Lowe, and Max Carney on the left. Tosan Okomi anchored the midfield in a holding role, while Bernie Farley and Harrison Smith operated as right and left attacking midfielders respectively. Up front, the trio featured Zane Clements on the right forward, Rylee Rodgers as the central striker, and Sawyer Booth on the left forward position. The substitutes bench included Zaph Kouassi, Blake Vince, Tommy Monaghan, Bertie Hayward, and Tank Evans.

The 4-1-2-3 setup was designed to provide defensive solidity with a single holding midfielder shielding the backline, while allowing the attacking midfielders and forwards to press high and create chances. Liam Rich and Max Carney were expected to support both defence and attack down the flanks, with Okomi’s role pivotal in breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball efficiently.

Right from the first minute, Maidstone’s defensive organisation was evident. Bernie Farley intercepted early, complemented by Max Carney’s long pass setting the tone for Maidstone’s attacking intent. Danny Lowe and Liam Rich were quick to respond defensively, with Lowe clearing a header and Rich making a crucial tackle to prevent an early chance. Eddie Ambrose also contributed with an interception, ensuring Erith & Belvedere found little space in the opening exchanges.

Sawyer Booth’s defensive clearance and header in the fourth minute demonstrated Maidstone’s commitment to regaining possession swiftly. Danny Lowe’s defensive headers and clearances continued to frustrate the visitors, while Bernie Farley’s interceptions and tackles between the sixth and seventh minutes highlighted his work rate in the attacking midfield. Liam Rich was equally industrious, making interceptions and tackles to stifle Erith & Belvedere’s advances.

Maidstone’s attacking play began to flourish as Sawyer Booth delivered a slide rule pass in the sixth minute, showcasing his vision. Shortly after, Liam Rich combined with Booth to create opportunities, with both players exchanging slide rule passes around the 11th minute. Max Carney’s attempt on goal was saved, but his involvement in both defence and attack was crucial. The defence remained resolute with headers from Danny Lowe and Eddie Ambrose denying any clear chances.

Sawyer Booth’s long pass in the 13th minute led to a chance, and Tosan Okomi’s interception at 14 minutes helped maintain Maidstone’s control. Liam Rich’s defensive interventions at 15 minutes, including a tackle and header, were vital in keeping the visitors at bay. Harrison Smith’s long pass at the same time added to Maidstone’s attacking threat.

Goalkeeper Ollie Higginson was alert, clearing danger at 16 minutes and catching a high ball after. Zane Clements tested the opposition keeper with a wide shot, while Tosan Okomi’s slide rule pass at 18 minutes set up another attempt by Clements, which was blocked. Bernie Farley’s interception and Higginson’s clearance at 19 minutes kept Maidstone’s goal safe, despite a wide effort from Rylee Rodgers.

Defensive headers from Eddie Ambrose and clearances by Max Carney continued to repel Erith & Belvedere’s efforts. Higginson’s punch at 22 minutes and Max Carney’s wide shot at 23 minutes showed Maidstone’s persistence in attack. A substitution at 24 minutes saw Zaph Kouassi replace Rylee Rodgers, freshening the forward line.

Bernie Farley’s interception and Sawyer Booth’s slide rule pass at 25 minutes paved the way for the opening goal. At 26 minutes, Eddie Ambrose rose to head home a close-range goal, assisted by Liam Rich’s header which was parried by the keeper, giving Maidstone a deserved lead. Farley’s subsequent tackle and block in the following minutes ensured the visitors could not respond immediately.

Liam Rich continued his creative influence with a long pass at 27 minutes, creating further chances. Tosan Okomi’s interception at 28 minutes and Ollie Higginson’s interception at 29 minutes maintained Maidstone’s defensive composure. Zaph Kouassi’s shot was saved at 30 minutes, but the pressure was mounting.

Eddie Ambrose’s header at 31 minutes and Harrison Smith’s slide rule pass kept Maidstone on the front foot. Sawyer Booth’s slide rule pass at 33 minutes created another chance, while Higginson’s catch at 34 minutes prevented any threat. Harrison Smith’s long pass just before half-time added to the attacking momentum.

The first half concluded at 35 minutes with Maidstone firmly in control, leading 1-0 and having dominated both defensively and offensively.

The second half began with Eddie Ambrose intercepting at 36 minutes, followed by a slide rule pass from Zane Clements. Bernie Farley’s attempt at 37 minutes went over the crossbar, while Max Carney and Danny Lowe continued to intercept and tackle effectively in the defensive third.

The home side doubled their lead with a goal at 46 minutes, when Sawyer Booth scored inside the box with his right foot, assisted by substitute Zaph Kouassi whose prior attempt was blocked.

Higginson smothered a through ball at 48 minutes and Okomi’s header kept the clean sheet intact.

Substitutions at 47 minutes brought Tommy Monaghan on for Zane Clements and Blake Vince on for Harrison Smith, injecting fresh legs into the side. Zaph Kouassi’s attempts at 50 minutes were both saved, but Maidstone’s attacking threat remained consistent.

Liam Rich’s slide rule pass at 52 minutes was cut out but was followed up by Tommy Monaghan, whose shot was saved. Defenders Eddie Ambrose and Danny Lowe combined with tackles and headers to maintain defensive solidity. At 53 minutes, Rylee Rodgers returned to the pitch replacing Sawyer Booth, while Bertie Hayward came on for Bernie Farley. Tank Evans replaced Tosan Okomi at 54 minutes, signalling a tactical refresh in midfield, both contributing to the team’s defensive and offensive balance.

Defensive efforts from Eddie Ambrose, Danny Lowe, Blake Vince, and Zaph Kouassi between 55 and 62 minutes ensured Maidstone’s control remained unchallenged.

Danny Lowe’s long pass at 63 minutes set up Zaph Kouassi, who scored inside the box with his right foot, assisted by Max Carney’s precise cut back. This extended Maidstone’s advantage and further demoralised the visitors.

A defensive interception by Rylee Rodgers at 65 minutes, combined with key passes from Liam Rich and Max Carney, kept the pressure on Erith & Belvedere. Interceptions from Bertie Hayward and Tank Evans’ long pass at 68 minutes maintained Maidstone’s attacking rhythm.

Throughout the match, Ollie Higginson was a commanding presence in goal, making crucial saves and interceptions. The defensive unit, led by Eddie Ambrose and Danny Lowe, was impenetrable, while Liam Rich and Max Carney combined defensive duties with creative passing. Max Carney’s overall performance earned him the player of the match accolade for his defensive resilience and attacking contributions.

Maidstone United’s tactical discipline, combined with effective use of their 4-1-2-3 formation, ensured a dominant display against Erith & Belvedere, securing three valuable points at the Gallagher Stadium.